A DIVERSE group of 20 women will embark on a journey to conquer Africa’s tallest mountain on National Woman’s Day.

“Jewish, Christian and Muslim women will climb Mount Kilimanjaro to pledge support for women nationally. It is also to pay tribute to inner strength and bravery in facing what many of us would think of as an unimaginable challenge,” said Marcelle Ravid, head of communications for ORT SA.
The group will spend seven days in Tanzania, leaving on  August 8.

The women’s empowerment team started last year with the logo, “We conquer mountains – one step at a time” and an emblem of a butterfly.

Head of the New Women’s Empowerment division at ORT SA, Robyn Snookler said, “Both wings synchronise enabling a butterfly to fly. The power of human potential is so exhilarating. We need to rid ourselves of the mental block stopping us from reaching our full potential. When people are empowered, they can do amazing things.

“The best way to give to someone is to equip them with the ability to earn,” she added.

Snookler’s dream emerged over six months after being in contact with women who revealed the burdens they faced.

“Many were working full time for meagre incomes and remuneration. This forced them to make decisions about whether they could provide the roof over their children’s heads, or food on the table. Basic necessities needed to be sacrificed,” Snookler explained.

ORT SA’s women empowerment division  have trained over 200 women assisting them to become financially independent. The Kilimanjaro fundraising initiative is to empower women in the belief that anything can be achieved.
A working mother of six  shared her reasons for wanting to climb Africa’s tallest peak.

“I considered this as an exercise. It requires physical well-being, determination and optimism to conquer. My family has been an inspiring part in me doing this, “ said Amanda Porter. According to ORT SA’s CEO, Yehuda Kay, women need to become financially independent and know how to do so. “ORT SA is part of an international organisation and is dedicated to educating people from all walks of life,” he added. – aarifahn@citizen.co.za